Stories by Nicole Markle

Many people see spring break as a great opportunity to take a family vacation. But, what about your four-legged family members? Pets can’t always tag along, so you may have to plan for their care while you’re away. Here are several pet care options to consider before deciding which makes the most sense for your […]

Finding out you’re having a baby might be one of the most exciting moments of your life. And sharing your news with family and friends is part of the excitement. So, how do you announce your pregnancy in a way that’s memorable? Make it seasonal! 1. Use a Holiday The next few months offer some […]

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has changed the way many Americans purchase health insurance, providing access to affordable healthcare for millions. But the new law also affects many Americans’ taxes. Even if you didn’t purchase health insurance from the government-run marketplaces, you may still experience some changes at tax time. Here are three key things […]

Few changes are more wonderful — or important — than becoming a new parent. If you had a baby in 2014, your new addition can affect your 2014 tax return in several ways. Know Your Tax Credits New parents may qualify for a variety of tax credits, including the following. The Child Tax Credit enables you to […]

Winter usually means cold weather and a lot of time spent inside. Instead of counting the days till spring, why not update your home’s décor to help bring spring indoors? If you’re ready to bring spring into your home a little early, try one of the following creative ideas. They’re so easy, even the kids […]

If you’ve recently applied for a new credit card, mortgage or car loan, chances are your credit report reflects this activity. That’s because each time your credit history is accessed, a credit inquiry is noted on your report, according to Experian. Keeping track of inquiries on your credit report can help guard against identity theft, Experian says, as an […]

No matter how careful you are, it can happen: You may anger an important client by missing a meeting or making a mistake on a project or sale. When you’re a small business owner, a big goof-up with a customer could cost you their business or tarnish your reputation. However, making a mistake with a […]

For some people, college is the best time of their life. It’s a chance to make lifelong friends, get an education and help shape the future. But it can also be a big financial burden. Between tuition, books, and room and board, the cost can add up quickly, and many people have to take out student […]

Crossing your fingers and hoping for the best aren’t enough when it comes to business preparedness. Developing a sound plan to sustain your business in the event of an emergency is vital to keeping your doors open. Nobody can predict the future; but with some advance planning, you can improve your company’s chances of surviving a […]

If you consider a business trip an inconvenience, an interruption from “real work” or an unnecessary expense, you’re not alone. With email, texting and videoconferencing available today, why would you actually pay to go see clients and vendors, right? Not so fast, says small business expert Rhonda Abrams. “You should consider travel an invaluable investment […]

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